BBC One Releases Full Trailer For A Christmas Carol

BBC One has released the full trailer for its bold new adaptation of A Christmas Carol, offering audiences a darker and more psychological take on the Charles Dickens classic.

The three-part drama stars Guy Pearce as Ebenezer Scrooge, presenting the character not simply as miserly, but as deeply damaged and emotionally scarred. The trailer makes clear that this version will move beyond festive sentimentality.

Written by Steven Knight, best known for Peaky Blinders, the adaptation reinterprets Dickens’ novella through a contemporary dramatic lens. Knight has described the project as an exploration of cruelty, guilt and redemption rather than a traditional Christmas morality tale.

The trailer showcases a bleak Victorian London, with striking production design and an oppressive atmosphere that reflects Scrooge’s inner turmoil. Supernatural elements are presented as unsettling and confrontational rather than whimsical.

Andy Serkis stars as the Ghost of Christmas Past, bringing an intense physicality to the role. The Ghosts are depicted as forces of reckoning, compelling Scrooge to confront the trauma and moral failings that shaped him.

Unlike many previous adaptations, this version delves deeply into Scrooge’s childhood, examining abuse, loneliness and systemic cruelty. These themes align with Knight’s broader body of work, which often interrogates power and moral compromise.

BBC One has positioned the series as a prestige holiday event, continuing its tradition of high-profile Christmas drama. However, the tone signals a clear departure from family-oriented festive programming.

The adaptation also features Stephen Graham, Charlotte Riley and Joe Alwyn in supporting roles, adding further dramatic weight to the production.

Following the release of the trailer, early reaction has focused on the series’ willingness to challenge expectations of a familiar story. The BBC appears confident that audiences are ready for a more demanding interpretation.

A Christmas Carol will air across three consecutive nights during the festive period and will be available on BBC iPlayer.